Apparatus and method for fluid treatment of textile fabric in rope form

ABSTRACT

Apparatus and method for passing a continuous length of textile fabric rope in a spiral path through a liquid treatment bath. One end of the rope is engaged and repeatedly wound by a conveyer mechanism about a scroll member and a winch roller. The invention particularly relates to a control system which senses the winch speed and independently actuates both the conveyer and the scroll by emitting a separate control signal for each, thereby permitting the scroll to be rotated to a larger number of revolutions than the conveyer mechanism when a wider spacing of rope convolutions is desired. Furthermore, the application enables a method of operation whereby the relative linear speed of the engaged rope end may be maintained at less than the peripheral speed of the winch roller surface but greater than one-third said peripheral speed. By a further aspect of the invention, the scroll member which guides the rope in spiral convolutions is structured to provide on one side thereof guide recesses which extend perpendicularly to the axis of the scroll thereby enabling greater lateral expansion of the rope without requiring an increase in the size of the apparatus or a decrease in the rope length.

Unite States Patent 1 Stanway [4 51 May 27, 1975 APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR FLUID TREATMENT OF TEXTILE FABRIC IN ROPE FORM [75] Inventor: Edward Stanway, Prestbury near Macclesfield, England [73] Assignee: United Merchants and Manufacturers, Inc., New York, NY.

[22] Filed: Oct. 25, 1973 [21] Appl. No.: 409,377

Related U.S. Application Data [62] Division of Ser. No. 294,914, Oct. 4, 1972.

Primary Examiner-I-larvey C. Hornsby Assistant Examiner-Robert Pous Attorney, Agent, or Firm.lohn P. McGann, Esq.; Jules E. Goldberg, Esq.

[ ABSTRACT Apparatus and method for passing a continuous length of textile fabric rope in a spiral path through a liquid treatment bath. One end of the rope is engaged and repeatedly wound by a conveyer mechanism about a scroll member and a winch roller. The invention particularly relates to a control system which senses the winch speed and independently actuates both the conveyer and the scroll by emitting a separate control signal for each, thereby permitting the scroll to be rotated to a larger number of revolutions than the conveyer mechanism when a wider spacing of rope convolutions is desired. Furthermore, the application enables a method of operation whereby the relative linear speed of the engaged rope end may be maintained at less than the peripheral speed of the winch roller surface but greater than one-third said peripheral speed. By a further aspect of the invention, the scroll member which guides the rope in spiral convolutions is structured to provide on one side thereof guide recesses which extend perpendicularly to the axis of the scroll thereby enabling greater lateral expansion of the rope without requiring an increase in the size of the apparatus or a decrease in the rope length.

10 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures PATH-HEB MAY 2 7 I975 SHEET APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR FLUID TREATMENT OF TEXTILE FABRIC IN ROPE FORM CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a division of copending Application Ser. No. 294,914, filed on Oct. 4, 1972.

The present invention generally relates to apparatus, commonly referred to as a dye beck, utilized in the fluid treatment of textile fabric. The fabric to be treated is usually in the form of an elongated rope which is spirally wound in continuous convoluted loops as it is passed through the treatment apparatus. More specifically, the invention relates to a control system and method for performing the treatment process, and to the structural configuration of the scroll or guide member of such apparatus which directs the fabric ropc into the spiral configuration as it passes through the treatment mechanism.

Fluid treatment apparatus of the type to which the present invention relates usually comprises a tank containing a treatment liquid, such as a dyeing, bleaching, or similar treatment medium. The fabric to be treated is immersed in the treatment liquid as it moves in a convoluted path from one end of the treatment bath to the other. The main operational elements of the treatment apparatus essentially comprise three basic components; namely, an elongated rotatable winch or main roller, an elongated spirally configured rotatable scroll or guide member having an axis of rotation parallel to the rotational axis of the winch, and a conveyor chain mechanism located at one end of the treatment apparatus which grips one end of the fabric rope and winds it about the winch and scroll. The spirally wound fabric rope hangs from the winch and scroll along the lengths thereof and extends into the treatment liquid bath for submersion therein as it moves along the length of the treatment apparatus.

The conveyor mechanism of such treatment apparatus usually comprises an endless chain which is driven in a closed loop path positioned at one end of the scroll and winch members. The chain includes a finger or other gripping means to which one end of the fabric rope may be attached. As the chain is rotated in its closed loop path it moves the attached end of the fabric rope within a plane extending perpendicularly to the rotational axes of the scroll and winch members and thereby winds the fabric rope around said members.

The winch member usually comprises a driven roller having an oblong cross-sectional configuration whose primary purpose is to support the convolutions of fabric rope and to provide the rotational force necessary to pass the fabric through the treatment bath.

The spirally configured scroll member operates to direct and maintain the fabric rope in the convoluted looped formationwithin the treatment apparatus. With each rotation of the conveyor chain. the leading end of the fabric rope is engaged at one end of the scroll within recess means formed thereon. In scrolls configured in accordance with the prior art. the recess means have been in the form of a continuous helix extending longitudinally about the scroll. and as the scroll rotates. the engaged portion ofthe rope is moved longitudinally along the length of the scroll within the helical recess.

Thus. the rope is wound by the conveyor chain in continuous spiral loops until the entire length of fabric rope to be treated has been passed about the scroll and winch members. Continued rotation of these members, and of the conveyor chain, will maintain the fully wound fabric rope in its spiral formation as it is rotated through the apparatus for immersion in the treatment liquid.

From the foregoing it will be apparent that the rotational movement of each of the three basiccomponents referred to must be appropriately synchronized and controlled in order to permit smooth and trouble-free passage of the fabric rope through the treatment apparatus. If the speed of rotation of the conveyor chain as it winds the end of a fabric rope about the scroll and winch members is not appropriately maintained relative to the rotational speed of the other members, problems could occur which might cause entanglement of the fabric rope and consequent damage to the material being treated. For example, if the conveyor chain were to rotate at too slow a speed relative to the speed of winch rotation, there could result problems such as overfeeding of fabric into the treatment bath or improper gripping by the winch of the fabric rope. If an unduly long period of time elapses before the end of the fabric rope attached to the conveyor becomes engaged with proper grippage by the winch surface, the fabric may tend to rub on the surface of the winch thereby causing wear to both the material of the fabric rope and the covering of the winch roller. Moreover, in cases where the winch comprises an elliptical cross-sectional configuration, the lead end of the fabric rope may tend to bounce upon the winch thereby imposing cyclic stresses upon the conveyor drive and in some cases imparting an undesirable twist to the fabric rope.

In control systems utilized with the type of apparatus discussed herein, significant advantages will arise if some latitude may be provided with regard to the operating sequences of the various components involved. During the treatment process, the winch roller may be rotated continuously. However, the conveyor chain and the scroll are each brought through a complete revolution and then stopped for a dwell period to allow the winch to overfeed rope into the tank containing the liquid bath. Normally, the scroll is rotated through a sin gle full revolution for each winding revolution of the conveyor. In this mode of operation, a closer spacing of rope along the length of the scroll is effected since there will be a loop of fabric rope positioned in each adjacent groove of the helical recess of the scroll. How ever, if a wider spacing is desired, then the scroll must be turned through two, three or more complete revolutions for each winding revolution of the conveyor.

An additional aspect of machine operation relates to the relative sequence of rotation between the scroll and the conveyor chain. Sometimes these elements must be caused to initiate their respective turns simultaneously. In such a case. the control system utilized should be capable of effecting this type of operation without obviating the possibility that sequential initiation of scroll and conveyor rotation may be provided.

An additional aspect of significance relates to the particular shape and configuration of the spiral scroll which is utilized. The scroll plays a very important role in guiding the fabric rope through the liquid treatment bath and, due to the relative complexity of its helical form, difficulties may arise with regard to effecting proper engagement of the fabric rope about the rotating scroll. For example, one problem which has been encountered in prior art devices. relates to lateral compression of the fabric rope in directions longitudinally of the scroll As the fabric rope engages within the helical recess of a prior art scroll. a tendency develops for the fabric to become laterally compressed by the sides of the scroll forming the helical grooves. Such lateral compression will cause longitudinal creases or folds which create problems in regard to the quality of the resulting fabric being treated as well as giving rise to a likelihood of entanglement of the fabric within the apparatus to cause damage or rupture of the fabric rope.

Accordingly, it will be clear that a scroll structure which operates to appropriately wind and guide the fabric rope through the treatment apparatus and bath without undue lateral compression and without formation of longitudinal creases, will be particularly advantageous. This will be especially so when such problems can be avoided without other attendant disadvantages, such as requiring that the width of the helical recesses in the scroll, and consequently the overall length of the scroll and its associated structural elements, be increased to accommodate the added fabric spacing. Since such increases in the length of the scroll and associated equipment will result in significantly increasing the cost and complexity of the overall treatment apparatus, it becomes highly desirable to achieve avoidance of material creasing in a simple and inexpensive manner.

Accordingly, it will be seen that a need arises for equipment of the type described which may be suitably controlled and operated to perform the treatment process in a manner which will not damage the treated fab ric and which will produce satisfactory results insofar as the end product is concerned. Such equipment should include a control system which permits appropriate interrelated operation ofthe various components of the apparatus, with some versatility so that different sequences of operation may be performed without requiring unduly complex restructuring of the apparatus and without causing operational problems. It will be apparent that an apparatus and process which can successfully perform the functions hereinbefore discussed without giving rise to the problems attendant the use of many existing prior art machines will provide a significant forward step in the art In one aspect thereof. the present invention provides apparatus for liquid treatment of textile fabric in rope form comprising tank means containing a liquid treatment bath, a rotatively driven main roller adapted to have said fabric rope engaged upon the peripheral surface thereof to move said rope with a winding motion through said bath. a rotatively driven guide member including recess means within which said fabric rope is engaged for guiding said fabric rope through said liquid bath in a convoluted spiral path. conveyor means engaging one cnd of said fabric rope and operable to rotatively wind said rope end about said guide member to within said recess means and about said main roller. means for energizing and deenergizing rotation of said conveyor means. means for energizing and deeneregizing rotation of said guide member, and control means sensing rotational movement of said main roller and emitting in response thereto a pair of control signals for energizing. respectively, rotation of said eonveyor means and of said guide member. said control signal for cnergi7ing said conveyor means being separate and independent from said control signal for energizing said guide member.

In another aspect thereof. the present invention provides a process for treating textile fabric in rope form 5 by passing said fabric rope through a treatment liquid in a convoluted spiral path comprising the steps of engaging one end of said rope, winding said engaged end about one end of a main roller and of a guide member to engage said rope upon the peripheral surface of said main roller and to within recess means formed in said guide member, rotating said main roller to impart 21 peripheral speed to the surface thereof thereby to impart to said rope a winding motion. and rotating said guide member to guide said rope by engagement within said recess means in said convoluted spiral path. said winding of said engaged end being performed by moving said rope end at a rate of speed which is less than the peripheral speed of the surface of said main roller but greater than one-third said peripheral speed.

In still another aspect of the present invention there is provided apparatus for liquid treatment of textile fabric in rope form comprising: tank means containing a liquid treatment bath; a rotatably driven main roller adapted to have said fabric rope engaged upon the pe ripheral surface thereof for moving said rope through said bath; a rotatably driven generally cylindrically shaped guide member having a longitudinal central axis extending generally parallel to said main roller, said guide member comprising a plurality of recess means located on one side thereof and extending in a direction generally perpendicular to said central axis, each of said plurality of recess means adapted to retain therein a portion of said fabric rope, and means on the other side of said guide member for urging said portion of fabric rope from one of said plurality of recess means to an adjacent recess means upon rotation of said guide member; and conveyor means engaging one end of said fabric rope and operable to wind said rope end about said guide member to within said recess means and about said main roller; whereby said fabric rope may be wound through said apparatus for immersion in said bath in a generally convoluted spiral path.

A better understanding of the present invention will be had by reference to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments thereof taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. I is a generally schematic perspective view dcpicting the basic elements of the type of apparatus to which the present invention relates;

FIG. 2 is a generally schematic perspective view of V the present invention showing the control system thereof;

FIG. 3 is a longitudinal side elevation showing the guide member or scroll of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an end view of the guide member of FIG. 3 taken from the left side thereof;

FIG. 5 is an end view of the guide member of FIG. 3 taken from the right side thereof;

FIG. 6 is a view in perspective showing a mid-portion of the scroll of the invention:

FIG. 7 is a side elevation partially broken away showing a scroll member in accordance with the prior art having a fabric rope wound thereahout. which is set forth to better depict and describe the advantages arising as a result of utilization of a scroll configured according to the present invention:

FIG. 8 is a side elevation, partially broken away, de' picting the scroll of the present invention with a fabric rope wound thereabout and positioned in one of the perpendicularly extending recesses formed on one side of the scroll; and

FIG. 9 is a side elevation, partially broken away, of the guide member of FIG. 8 after it has been rotated through 180 or half of a complete revolution, and depicting the manner whereby the fabric rope is moved from one perpendicularly extending recess to an adjacent recess by rotation of the scroll of the present invention.

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the detailed description which follows, there is shown in FIG. 1 a somewhat schematic presentation of the type of apparatus to which the present invention relates. A tank 20, containing a treatment liquid bath 26 within which portions of a length of textile fabric rope 120 are immersed, is located in operative relationship with a main roller or winch 30, a guide member or scroll 70, and a conveyor mechanism 40. In the operation of the apparatus, a lead end 121 of the fabric rope 120 is attached to a fabric attachment finger 49 mounted upon a conveyor chain 41 which is operatively engaged for rotation thereof about a series of sprocket members 42, 43, 44, 45 and 45'. As a result of rotation of the chain 41 about the sprocket members 4245, the attachment finger 49 is moved to effect a winding revolution through a closed-loop endless path defined by the shape of the conveyor chain 41. The apparatus may preferably include an idler roller 110, which may or may not be rotatably driven and which serves to support the length of the fabric rope 120 which extends between the scroll 70 and the winch 30. After attachment of the lead end 121 to the finger 49, operation is initiated by causing the chain 41 and the finger 49 to make one complete winding revolution thereby pulling the lead end 121 of the fabric rope 120 about the scroll 70, the idler roller 110 and the winch 30. After a single complete winding revolution, the chain 41 is stopped and the winch 30 rotates continuously to overfeed fabric rope behind the winch 30 and into the treatment bath 26. At this point, one loop of the fabric rope 120 is engaged within a first recess in the scroll 70 in a manner to be more fully described hereinafter, and when the winch 30 has overfed a sufficient length of the fabric rope 120 into the treatment bath 26, a second winding revolution of the chain 41 and of the finger 49 is initiated. The scroll 70 is driven to rotate simultaneously with the chain41 and will make a complete revolution for each revolution of the finger 49 and chain 41. When the scroll 70 is rotated, the portion of the fabric rope 120 which is engaged in the first recess will be moved longitudinally to a next or second adjacent recess, and the first recess will be occupied by the portion of the fabric rope 120 which has been wound about the scroll 70 by the finger 49. After a second complete revolution of the chain 41 and the scroll 70, there will be two loops of fabric rope 120 formed about the scroll 70 and the winch 30, and the chain 41 and the scroll 70 will again be brought to a complete stop after having turned through a full revolution. The winch 30 continues to rotate to overfeed fabric rope 120 into the tank and the treatment bath 26. After a sufficient length of fabric rope 120 has been overfed, the chain 41 and the scroll 70 are once again actuated to effect a complete revolution thereby forming a third loop of fabric rope 120. This process continues until the entire length of fabric rope 120 has been wound about the scroll and winch 30, and the operation continues with portions of fabric rope extending downwardly into the liquid treatment bath 26 for immersion therein. Thus, the rope 120 is continuously moved in a convoluted spiral path through the treatment bath 26 in the performance of the liquid treatment process.

Referring now to FIG. 2 which shows in more detail the various elements of the present invention, the main roller or winch 30 is mounted for rotation upon a winch shaft 31 which is driven by winch drive means 100 comprising a winch motor 1111 connected to rotate a winch motor sprocket 102. A winch drive chain 104 connects the sprocket 102 to a winch input sprocket 103 mounted upon the shaft 31. The winch drive means 100 operates to continuously rotate the shaft 31 thereby imparting a desired peripheral speed to the surface of the winch 311. The winch shaft 31 is connected at its opposite end to a conveyor drive means and to a winch counter means 160 whereby operation of the conveyor 40 in synchronization with the operation of the winch 30 may be accomplished. A winch conveyor sprocket 151 affixed to the shaft 31 has attached thereto a conveyor drive chain 153 extending about a conveyor chain tightener 155 and a conveyor input sprocket 152. A conveyor input shaft 154 connects the sprocket 152 to a chain drive sprocket 44 through an electromagnetic clutch 156. Thus, as the winch 30 rotates, the driving force thereof is transmitted to sprocket 151 and to the drive sprocket 44 by means of the chain 153, sprocket 152 and electromagnetic clutch 156 when it is in the engaged condition. Rotation of the chain drive sprocket 44 will cause the conveyor chain 41 to rotate about the sprockets 42, 43, 45 and 45 thereby imparting an endless path motion to the attachment finger 49.

The shaft 31 extends from the sprocket 151 to a winch counter sprocket 161 which is mounted to rotate with the shaft 31 and the sprocket 151. A counter drive chain 163 connects the winch counter sprocket 161 to a counter sprocket 162 which is thereby driven to rotate with the sprocket 161. A counter sprocket pin 167 attached to the sprocket 162 for rotation therewith engages a switch arm 166 operatively associated with a winch counter switch 164 which'operates to emit a discrete output signal each time that a complete rotation of the sprocket 162 causes the pin 167 to actuate the arm 166.

The output of the switch 164 is connected as an input to a countdown unit 168 which counts the number of discrete signals emitted by the switch 164 and which emits output signals in accordance with the number of discrete signals received. An output of the countdown unit 168 is connected to a relay 157 which controls the clutch 156. When a sufficient number of input signals, labelled Step 1, are received by the countdown unit 168 from the switch 164, the countdown unit will emit an output signal, labelled Step 2a, to energize the relay 157 thereby engaging clutch 156 to cause activation of the conveyor 40. Simultaneously with the emission of the output signals of Step 2a. the countdown unit 168 will also emit a signal, labelled Step 2b, which will effect starting of a scroll drive means 130.

The scroll drive means 130 includes a scroll drive motor 131 which is operatively connected to rotatively drive a scroll motor sprocket 133 connected to a worm sprocket 134 through a scroll motor chain 135. A scroll worm 137 rotates with the sprocket 134 and is operatively engaged to drive a scroll input sprocket 138 attached to the scroll 70 through a scroll drive shaft 141. The scroll drive shaft 141 extends through the scroll idler sprocket 42 which is loosely mounted thereon and which rotates independently of the drive shaft 141. The scroll input sprocket 138 has mounted thereon a scroll input sprocket pin 139 which is positioned to operatively engage a scroll switch arm 148 connected to energize a scroll switch 147a. Each time that the pin 139 engages the arm 148, the switch 147a will emit a signal to a countdown unit 147 which counts the number of such signals and which emits an output signal, labelled Step 3, which is transmitted as a stop signal to the motor 131 and which operates to stop rotation of the scroll 70. The countdown unit 147 may be adjusted to emit an output stop signal after one revolution of the scroll 70, or after any whole number of revolutions. As will be explained hereinafter, the setting of countdown unit 147 will determine the spacing of the fabric rope 120 upon the scroll 70.

A scroll support means 140 mounts the idler sprocket 42 to be freely rotatable upon the shaft 141 thereby providing an end support for the scroll 70 while permitting the scroll 70 to be rotated independently of the sprocket 42.

A conveyor switch 180 includes a trip rod 183 which is located in a position to be engaged by the attachment finger 49 each time that the finger 49 is moved past the rod 183 during rotation of the chain 41. Engagement of the rod 183 by the finger 49 causes switch 180 to emit a stop signal, labelled Step 4, which is conveyed through the countdown means 168 as an output stop signal, labelled Step 5, actuating the relay 157 to effect disengagement of the clutch 156 thereby terminating application of the driving input to the sprocket 44 from the sprocket 152.

In the operation of the control system of the present invention, an output is taken from the winch shaft 31 to control operation of the conveyor 40 through the winch counter means 160. The ratio of the sprockets 161 and 162 is arranged so that the sprocket 162 makes one complete revolution for each predetermined unit of peripheral travel of the surface of the winch 30. The amount of linear peripheral travel of the surface of the winch 30 is communicated as a particular number of revolutions of the sprocket 161 to the sprocket 162. By the proper selection of the relative sizes of the sprockets 161 and 162, the pin 167 may be caused to engage the switch arm 166 a predetermined number of times representative of the length of peripheral travel of the surface of the winch 30. The countdown unit 168 is preset to emit an output signal, Step 2a, each time that the switch 164 emits a sufficient number of discrete signals, Step 1, to indicate that the winch 30 has overfed a sufficient length of fabric rope 120 into the treatment bath 26. It will be apparent that the countdown unit may be adjusted to sense the required length of fabric rope overfeed and thereby emit a start signal, Step 2a, to engage the clutch 156 thereby setting the conveyor chain 41 in motion.

At the same time that the motion of the conveyor chain 41 is initiated, rotation of the scroll 70 is simultaneously initiated by means of a second output signal, Step 2b, transmitted from the countdown unit 168 to the motor 131. After the finger 49 has made one complete winding revolution, it will engage trip rod 183 thereby terminating rotation of the chain 41. The relay 157 operating the electromagnetic clutch 156 maintains engagement of the clutch 156 until the fabric attachment finger 49 has passed around the back of the winch 30, around the scroll and over the idler roller 1 10 and the sprocket 43 to strike the trip rod 183. Activation of the switch 180 releases the relay and deenergizes the electromagnetic clutch 156 thus terminating the conveyor drive. The inertia of the conveyor chain 41 will effect movement of the finger 49 to a point slightly past the trip rod 183 thereby enabling the trip rod to return to its original position to deenergize the switch 181.

At the same time that the attachment finger 49 is moved to effect a complete winding revolution, the sprocket 138 is also caused to rotate by virtue of the input start signal, Step 2b, which energizes the motor 131 to rotate the scroll 70. When the scroll 70 has completed a sufficient number of revolutions, the countdown unit 147 will emit a stop signal, Step 3, thereby terminating operation of the motor 131 and rotation of the scroll 70.

Thus, each time that the winch 30 is rotated a sufficient number of revolutions to effect a predetermined amount of peripheral travel, the conveyor 40 and the scroll 70 are simultaneously energized to effect, in the case of the conveyor 40, one rapid full revolution and in the case of scroll 70, any desired number of revolutions, whereupon they are individually deenergized and brought to a stop. Since the countdown unit 168 is counting continuously irrespective of whether the chain 41 is in motion, the start signals, Steps 2a and 2b, will be emitted each time that the winch 30 has completed the required amount of peripheral travel irrespective of the rotational speed of the conveyor 40. Thus, the rotational speed of the conveyor 40 may be adjusted to any desired rate, dependent primarily upon the sizes ofthe sprockets 151 and 152, without interfering with the development of the control signals of Steps 2a and 2b from the countdown unit 168.

A significant aspect of the present invention relates to the fact that the control system described enables separate and independent operation and actuation of the conveyor drive means and of the scroll drive means 130. It will be noted that the countdown unit 168 emits a pair of separate independent signals in the performance of Steps 2a and 2b thereby enabling initiation of rotation of the conveyor chain 41 independently of initiation of rotation of the scroll 70. Due to the particular arrangement of the control system of the present invention, the scroll 70 may be rotated through any desired number of revolutions without dependence upon the number of revolutions performed by the conveyor chain 41. Thus, the system may be adjusted so that the conveyor chain 41 will always make a single complete winding revolution and then be brought to rest during a dwell period while the scroll 70 makes a whole number of revolutions determined by the setting of the countdown unit 147. lf it is desired to have a fab ric loop engaged about each adjacent recess of the scroll 70, then the countdown unit 147 may be set to allow execution of a single revolution of the scroll 70 for each single revolution of the conveyor chain 41. However, if a wider spacing of fabric loops along the length of the scroll 70 is desired, then the countdown unit 147 may be adjusted for execution of two, three or more complete revolutions of the scroll 70 for each complete revolution of the conveyor chain 41.

Referring now to FIG. 7, there is shown a guide member or scroll configured in accordance with known prior art principles, andd having a length of fabric rope 120a wound thereabout. As illustrated. the scroll com prises a central support shaft 200 having a helical member 202 wound thereabout in a convoluted spiral configuration. The helical member 202 is formed ofa slender rod-like material and it will be apparent that each convolution of the member 202 will comprise a semicoil portion 202a extending about the forward or front side of the shaft 200, as viewed in the drawing of FIG. 7. and a semicoil portion 202/2 extending about the rear side of the shaft 200. With the scroll in the position shown in FIG. 7, each loop of fabric rope 120:! will be compressed between the bottom end 2020 of the semicoil 202a and the top end 202d of the adjacent semicoil 2020.

As will be apparent from FIG. 7, the helical member 202 will form between each coil loop thereof, a spiral or helical recess within which the loops of the fabric rope 120a are directed. Each time that the scroll is caused to effect a complete revolution, each of the loops of the rope 120a which are wound around the scroll will be forced by the coil portions of the member 202 from a recess between one pair of semicoils 202a to a next adjacent recess formed between an adjacent pair of semicoils 202a. Thus, by revolution of the scroll. a continuous winding motion may be imparted to the fabric rope 120a with the fabric rope being guided and maintained in its convoluted spiral configuration by the scroll member.

The spacing between the ends of each full coil or convolution of the member 202 determines the pitch of the scroll, and this distance is labelled P" in FIG. 7. It will be apparent that with the scroll configured as illustrated in FIG. 7, each strand of fabric rope 1201:, will be laterally compressed to occupy a width dimension taken longitudinally of the scroll which is one'half the pitch length and which is labelled P/2 in FIG. 7. As a result of this lateral compression of the fabric rope 120a longitudinal creases are caused to be formed in the fabric rope. These longitudinal creases create problems because they give rise to a tendency for the rope to become entangled in the treatment apparatus. Furthermore. formation of such longitudinal creases is undesirable from the viewpoint of the end product which is produced in the treatment apparatus. It will be obvious that. in order to enlarge the spacing longitudinally of the scroll which is occupied by the width of the fabric rope 1201:. it would become necessary to either lengthen the scroll or to shorten the length of the fabric rope which is to be treated in a given length of treatment apparatus. If an equivalent length of rope is to be treated then the scroll length and consequently the length ofthe entire treatment apparatus. must be significantly increased in order to lessen the lateral compressive force which is applied to the fabric rope 1020. Such increased length will give rise to significant increases in cost and complexity of the equipment. and it would be highly desirable if the lateral space afforded the fabric rope as it passes about the scroll could be increased without increasing the length of the scroll.

In accordance with the scroll structure of the present invention. the width of the recess through which the fabric rope must pass as it winds around the scroll is doubled from the dimension P/2 shown in FIG. 7 to a dimension equal to the full pitch P without requiring any increase in scroll length.

5 The scroll structure of the present invention is depicted in FIGS. 36, 8 and 9 of the drawings. As illustrated. the scroll 70 of the present invention comprises a scroll central shaft 71 having a rod-like member wound thereabout in a generally convoluted form. The key feature of the scroll of the present invention resides in the fact that instead of forming the scroll with continuous convoluted full coils in the conventional helical configuration, each full coil of the scroll of the invention is formed with a semicircular portion 81 and with a semicoil portion 82. The semicircular portions 81 and the semicoil portions 82 are integrally or continuously formed, and it will be apparent that the semicircular portions 81 will extend about one side of the shaft 71, which would be the front or forward side as viewed in the drawing of FIG. 3, with the semicoil portions 82 extending about the opposite side of the shaft 71, which would be the rear side as viewed in FIG. 3.

In order to support the convoluted rod member with the appropriate spacing relative to the shaft 71, a series of radially extending spokes 79 are provided which are affixed between the shaft 71 and the semicircular portions 81 and the semicoil portions 82. At the right-hand end of the scroll, as viewed in FIG. 3, an initial spoke 72 is provided to support the end of a lead semicircle 73 as it extends about the shaft 71 to commence formation of the first spiral semicoil 74. A lead spoke 75 and buildup spoke 76, extending perpendicularly to the plane of the drawing of FIG. 3, assist in supporting the initial formation of the convoluted rod which forms the scroll of the present invention. From its point of attachment to the spoke 76, the rod member continues to form semicircles 81 and semicoils 82 of full diameter. with each of the full diameter loops being supported by an appropriate number of spokes 79 along the entire length of the shaft 71.

At the left-hand terminal end of the scroll 70, as viewed in FIG. 3, the terminal end of the rod member is affixed to the shaft 71 by extending the rod member from the end of the last or leftmost semicircular portion 81 through formation of the terminal coil 84 and terminal semicircle 85 into a terminal spoke 86 affixed at its end to the shaft 71.

Of course, it will be understood that the shaft 71 will contain at its ends appropriate structure for rotatably mounting the shaft within the treatment apparatus, but since this structure forms no part of the present invention it is not shown or described in detail.

From the foregoing it will be clear that the scroll of the present invention will define a continuous recess 83 which extends in a generally convoluted configuration around the scroll structure. However, due to the specific configuration of the rod which defines the recess 83. there will be formed on one side of the scroll 70 to a recessed portion 83a, best seen in FIG. 8, which defines a path for the fabric rope extending perpendicularly to the central axis of the shaft 71. This perpendic ularly extending recess portion 831: will be defined between a pair of semicircular portions 81. Thus. it will be evident that a perpendicularly extending recess portion 83a will be formed along one side only of the scroll 70 between each adjacent pair of semicircular portions 81 with each perpendicularly extending recess portion 83a being immediately adjacent a consecutive perpendicularly extending recess portion 83a.

On the opposite side of the scroll 70, there will be formed a plurality of recess'porti'ons 8312, best seen in FIG. 9, which extend obliquely to the axis of the central shaft 71. These obliquely extending recess portions 8317 will be defined between the semicoil portions 82 of the rod member. Each of the obliquely extending recess portions 831) will be defined on one side only of the scroll 70, and each obliquely extending portion 83!; will be immediately adjacent a consecutive obliquely extending recess portion 83b.

As will be apparent, particularly from FIG. 8, the resultant advantage achieved by utilization of the scroll of the present invention resides in the fact that during the time that the fabric rope 120 is between the semicircular portions 81, it will have available to it a full.

pitch width P through which it may extend while engaged about the scroll 70. Due to this increased or doubled available width. as compared with the prior art structure of FIG. 7, lateral compression of the the fabric rope 120 is significantly reduced and the problems arising as a result of formation of longitudinal creases are obviated.

As previously discussed herein, the scroll 70 of the present invention is revolved to move the fabric rope 120 along the longitudinal length of the scroll within the recess 83. The scroll makes a number of complete revolutions followed by a dwell period. In the operation of the control system of the treatment apparatus. the dwell period is adjusted to be maintained with the fabric rope in the position shown in FIG. 8 between the semicircular portion 81. Thus, during the major portion of the treatment process. the fabric rope 120 is maintained in a position permitting maximum lateral expansion of the fibers forming the rope. When it is desired to move the fabric rope 120 longitudinally of the scroll 70, the scroll is caused to make a complete revolution whereby the fabric rope 120 is moved from one perpendicularly extending recess portion 83a between the semicircles 81, to a next adjacent perpendicularly extending recess portion. The manner whereby the movement is effected is depicted in FIG. 9 which shows the scroll 70 in a position wherein the scroll has been rotated l80, or one half of a full revolution. from the position shown in FIG. 8. With the scroll in the position depicted in FIG. 9, the fabric rope 120 will be passed between the semicoil portions 82 within an obliquely extending portion 83b of the recess 83 and by virtue of the shape of the semicoil portions 82 the fabric rope will be guided from one perpendicularly extending recess portion 83a to a next adjacent perpendicularly extending recess portion 830. This occurs when the scroll 70 is further rotated through 180 of revolution from the position shown in FIG. 9 to once again occupy the position shown in FIG. 8 with the fabric rope I having been moved through a winding revolution while maintaining its convoluted spiral configuration.

Of course. as previously discussed. if the scroll 70 is caused to effect one complete revolution for each complete winding revolution of the conveyor 40. then there will be one loop of fabric rope I20 engaged within each adjacent perpendicularly extending recess 83a of the scroll 70. However. if the equipment is operated so that the scroll 70 makes two complete revolutions for each single complete winding revolution of the conveyor 40. then the fabric rope 120 will extend through every other perpendicularly extending recess 830. Similarly, if the scroll makes three complete revolutions for each single winding revolution of the conveyor 40, then a fabric loop will be formed in every third perpendicularly extending recess 83a. Accordingly, it will be apparent that the spacing of the fabric loops as they extend through the treatment apparatus will be determined by the whole number of revolutions made by the scroll 70 relative to each revolution of the conveyor 40.

In the performance of the process of the present invention. it is essential that the speed of travel of the attachment finger 49 be maintained at an appropriate rate relative to the rate of travel of the surface of the winch 30 which engages the fabric rope 120. As previously discussed, if the finger 49 and the lead length of fabric rope 121 attached thereto moves too slowly, then the fabric rope will not be gripped by the surface of the winch 30 with sufficient rapidity to prevent cer' tain problems. These problems include slippage between the surface of the winch 30 and the fabric rope 120 which will cause undesirable wear and damage of the fabric rope as well as wear of the winch roll surface. Furthermore, if the attachment finger 49 is moved too fast. the fabric rope will tend to overfeed between the idler roller and the winch 30 thereby causing entanglement and possible rupture of the rope. As previ ously pointed out, the idler roller 110 may be a driven roller, and if the rotational speed thereof is greater than the speed of travel of the rope the aforementioned overfeed will occur. In some cases. the idler roller 110 may be freely rotatable and not driven but it will nevertheless produce a rotative force as a result of engagement with the fabric rope 120 which is being wound thereabout. With the idler roller 110 freely rotating, a rotative momentum will be developed which will also cause a portion of fabric rope to be overfed between the idler roller I10 and the winch 30 when the attachment finger 49 is moving too slowly.

In accordance with the process of the present invention, the relative sizes of the sprockets 151 and 152 are selected to impart to the conveyor chain 41 and to the attachment finger 49 a linear speed of rotation which is appropriately adjusted relative to the peripheral speed of the winch roller 30. It will be apparent that as a result of the particular configuration and arrangement of the control system of the present invention. such adjustment is enabled with simplicity and without introducing other attendant complications or problems which could arise with prior art control systems. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the conveyor chain 41 is operated to effect a single rapid revolution each time that a start signal is received from the countdown unit 168 in the performance of Step 2a. Of course. as previously described. each of said revolution is terminated by engagement of the finger 49 with the trip rod I83 thereby commencing a dwell period during which the chain 41 is stationary In a specific preferred embodiment of the process of the present invention. the various operating components of the treatment apparatus may be adjusted so that the time required for the conveyor chain 41 and the attachment finger 49 to make a full winding revolution is onefourth of the total time between the occurrence of consecutive start signals emitted from the countdown unit 168 in the performance of Step 2a. Thus. the dwell period during which the attachment linger is maintained stationary will occur during a period of time which is three-fourths of the time between two consecutive start signals of Step 211. Thus, each time that the countdown unit 168 emits a start signal during Step 2a, there will occur a single rapid winding revolution of the chain 41 and the conveyor finger 49 which will be performed during one-fourth of the time until the next start signal. Subsequently, a dwell period will occur which occupies three-fourths of this total time period, whereupon the next subsequent start signal will be emitted.

As has been previously discussed, the relative speed of the conveyor chain 41 as compared with the peripheral speed of the winch 30 is an important factor in determining appropriate operation of the device of the invention. In order to insure that the fabric rope I20 becomes suitably engaged about the surface of the winch 30 without entanglement or damage, the rope end 121 must be moved by the attachment finger 49 at a rate of speed which is not overly fast or slow. The control system of the present invention enables adjustment of the speed with simplicity and ease. In accordance with the method of the present invention, the equipment is operated to maintain the linear speed of the conveyor chain 41 within a range less than the winch peripheral speed but greater than one-thirdthe winch peripheral speed. In the preferred mode of operation, the linear speed of the chain 41 is maintained at approximately two-fifths the winch peripheral speed. In practice it has been found that with the aforementioned parameters applied, the winch will rotate with a periph eral speed of approximately 4 ft. per second and the chain will wind at a linear speed of approximately l-3/5 ft. per second.

An additional important consideration in the opera' tion of the apparatus of the invention is the dwell time of the scroll member 70. As has previously been discussed. during the dwell period the scroll member 70 is maintained in a position whereby the loops of fabric rope 120 extend between the semicircular portions 81 within the perpendicularly extending recesses 83a. In order to allow the fabric rope loops to expand laterally to a maximum degree, it is advantageous to rotate the scroll 70 rapidly as possible thereby maintaining the longest possible dwell period. In the preferred mode of operation of the apparatus of the invention. the dwell period of the scroll 70 is adjusted to be 97 Vf/r of the total time between initiation of each revolution of the scroll 70. In a case where the scroll 70 is rotated through a single revolution for each revolution of the chain 41, the time involved to effect such a single revolution is adjusted to be 2 Va /1 of the total time between commencement of each revolution. Thus, with reference to the control system depicted in FIG. 2, for each initiation of a start signal in the performance of Step 2b, the scroll 70 will perform a complete revolution during approximately 2 V392 of the time required for initiation of a subsequent start signal. Thus. using the total time period which elapses between a pair of consecutive start signals of Step 2b as a basis, it will be found that the scroll 70 will complete a single full revolution during 2 r of this time period and will be stationary during )7 Vz'i? of this time period. Therefore. the fabric rope will be able to expand laterally to a greater degree. Ofcoursc. if the scroll 70 is to complete more than one revolution for each revolution of the chain 41. the time factors involved may be proportionately adjusted.

What is claimed is:

1. Apparatus for liquid treatment of textile fabric in rope form comprising tank means containing a liquid treatment bath, a rotatively driven main roller adopted to have said fabric rope engaged upon the peripheral surface thereof to move said rope with a winding motion through said bath, a rotatively driven guide member including recess means within which said fabric rope is engaged for guiding said fabric rope through said liquid bath in a convoluted spiral path. conveyor means engaging one end of said fabric rope and operable to rotatively wind said rope end about said guide member to within said recess means and about said main roller, means for energizing and deenergizing rotation of said conveyor means, means for energizing and deenergizing rotation of said guide member, and control means sensing rotational movement of said main roller and emitting in response thereto a pair of control signals for simultaneously energizing respectively, rotation of said conveyor means and of said guide member, said control signal for energizing said conveyor means being separate and independent from said control signal for energizing said guide member.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 including means for driving said conveyor means to effect winding revolution of said engaged rope end about said roller and said guide member at a linear speed which is less than the peripheral speed of said main roller surface but greater than one-third said peripheral speed.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said means for deenergizing said conveyor means operate to terminate rotation thereof after each complete winding revolution of said engaged rope end.

4. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said control means operate to initiate each winding revolution of said conveyor means after occurrence of a dwell period during which said conveyor means is stationary, said dwell period occurring between termination and initiation of each winding revolution.

5. Apparatus according to claim 7 wherein said dwell period extends for a period of time which is threefold the time required for said conveyor means to complete a full winding revolution.

6. Apparatus according to claim 5 wherein the linear speed of said conveyor means is two-fifths the peripheral speed of said main roller.

7. Apparatus for liquid treatment of textile fabric in rope form comprising tank means containing a liquid treatment bath, a rotatively driven main roller adopted to have said fabric rope engaged upon the peripheral surface thereof to move said rope with a winding motion through said bath, a rotatively driven guide member including recess means within said fabric rope is engaged for guiding said fabric rope through said liquid bath in a convoluted path, conveyor means engaging one end of said fabric rope and operable to rotatively wind said rope end about said guide member to within said recess means and about said main roller. means for energizing and deenergizing rotation of said conveyor means, means for energizing and deenergizing rotation of said guide member. and control means sensing rotational movement of said main roller and emitting in response thereto a pair of control signals for energizing. respectively. rotation of said conveyor means and of said guide member, said control signal for energizing said conveyor means being separate and independent from said control signal for energizing said guide memher. and said means for energizing and deenergizing 15 said guide member operating to permit said guide member to perform a number of Complete revolutions for each of said pair of control signals emitted from said control means which number is independent of the number of revolutions performed by said conveyor means.

8. Apparatus according to claim 7 wherein said means for energizing and deenergizing said guide member operate to effect one complete revolution of said guide member for each winding revolution of said conveyor means with a dwell period occurring between termination of each guide member revolution and initiation of a subsequent revolution, with said guide member revolution being performed over a period of time which is 2 /2% of the total time between initiation of each consecutive revolution of said guide member.

9. Apparatus for liquid treatment of textile fabric in I rope form comprising tank means containing a liquid treatment bath, a rotatively driven main roller adopted to have said fabric rope engaged upon the peripheral surface thereof to move said rope with a winding mo' tion through said bath, a rotatively driven guide member including recess means within which said fabric rope is engaged for guiding said fabric rope through said liquid bath in a convoluted spiral path, conveyor means energizing one end of said fabric rope and operable to rotatively wind said rope end about said guide member to within said recess means and about said main roller, means for energizing and deenergizing rotation of said conveyor means, means for energizing and deenergizing rotation of said guide member, and control means sensing rotational movement of said main roller and emitting a response thereto a pair of control signals for energizing. respectively, rotation of said conveyor means and of said guide member, said control signal for energizing said conveyor means being separate and independent from said control signal for energizing said guide member, and wherein for each of said pair of control signals emitted, said guide member performs a number of revolutions in excess of the number of revolutions performed by said conveyor means.

10. Apparatus for liquid treatment of textile fabric in rope form comprising tank means containing a liquid treatment bath, a rotatively driven main roller adopted to have said fabric rope engaged upon the peripheral surface thereof to move said rope with a winding motion through said bath, a rotatively driven guide member including recess means within which said fabric rope is engaged for guiding said fabric rope through said liquid bath in a convoluted spiral path, conveyor means engaging one end of said fabric rope and operable to rotatively wind said rope end about said guide member to within said recess means and about said main roller, means for energizing and deenergizing rotation of said conveyor means, means for energizing and deenergizing rotation of said guide member. and control means sensing rotational movement of said roller and emitting in response thereto a pair of control signals for energizing, respectively, rotation of said conveyor means and of said guide member, said control signal for energizing said conveyor means being separate and independent from said control signal for energizing said guide member. said control means comprising an electrical switch means operatively associated with said main roller for emitting discreet output signals in accordance with the number of revolutions of said main roller, first counter means responsive to said electrical switch means for emitting said pair of control signals upon receipt of a predetermined number of said output signals, electromagnetic clutch means for energizing rotation of said conveyor means in response to one control signal of said pair of control signals. and electrical drive means for energizing rotation of said guide member in response to the other control signal of said pair of control signals, and said means for deenergizing rotation of said guide member includes second counter means which can be set to permit any number of selected revolutions of said guide member subsequent to each emission by said first counter means of said pair of control signals. 

1. Apparatus for liquid treatment of textile fabrIc in rope form comprising tank means containing a liquid treatment bath, a rotatively driven main roller adopted to have said fabric rope engaged upon the peripheral surface thereof to move said rope with a winding motion through said bath, a rotatively driven guide member including recess means within which said fabric rope is engaged for guiding said fabric rope through said liquid bath in a convoluted spiral path, conveyor means engaging one end of said fabric rope and operable to rotatively wind said rope end about said guide member to within said recess means and about said main roller, means for energizing and deenergizing rotation of said conveyor means, means for energizing and deenergizing rotation of said guide member, and control means sensing rotational movement of said main roller and emitting in response thereto a pair of control signals for simultaneously energizing respectively, rotation of said conveyor means and of said guide member, said control signal for energizing said conveyor means being separate and independent from said control signal for energizing said guide member.
 2. Apparatus according to claim 1 including means for driving said conveyor means to effect winding revolution of said engaged rope end about said roller and said guide member at a linear speed which is less than the peripheral speed of said main roller surface but greater than one-third said peripheral speed.
 3. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said means for deenergizing said conveyor means operate to terminate rotation thereof after each complete winding revolution of said engaged rope end.
 4. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said control means operate to initiate each winding revolution of said conveyor means after occurrence of a dwell period during which said conveyor means is stationary, said dwell period occurring between termination and initiation of each winding revolution.
 5. Apparatus according to claim 7 wherein said dwell period extends for a period of time which is threefold the time required for said conveyor means to complete a full winding revolution.
 6. Apparatus according to claim 5 wherein the linear speed of said conveyor means is two-fifths the peripheral speed of said main roller.
 7. Apparatus for liquid treatment of textile fabric in rope form comprising tank means containing a liquid treatment bath, a rotatively driven main roller adopted to have said fabric rope engaged upon the peripheral surface thereof to move said rope with a winding motion through said bath, a rotatively driven guide member including recess means within said fabric rope is engaged for guiding said fabric rope through said liquid bath in a convoluted path, conveyor means engaging one end of said fabric rope and operable to rotatively wind said rope end about said guide member to within said recess means and about said main roller, means for energizing and deenergizing rotation of said conveyor means, means for energizing and deenergizing rotation of said guide member, and control means sensing rotational movement of said main roller and emitting in response thereto a pair of control signals for energizing, respectively, rotation of said conveyor means and of said guide member, said control signal for energizing said conveyor means being separate and independent from said control signal for energizing said guide member, and said means for energizing and deenergizing said guide member operating to permit said guide member to perform a number of complete revolutions for each of said pair of control signals emitted from said control means which number is independent of the number of revolutions performed by said conveyor means.
 8. Apparatus according to claim 7 wherein said means for energizing and deenergizing said guide member operate to effect one complete revolution of said guide member for each winding revolution of said conveyor means with a dwell period occurring between termination of each guide member revolution and initiation of a subsequent Revolution, with said guide member revolution being performed over a period of time which is 2 1/2 % of the total time between initiation of each consecutive revolution of said guide member.
 9. Apparatus for liquid treatment of textile fabric in rope form comprising tank means containing a liquid treatment bath, a rotatively driven main roller adopted to have said fabric rope engaged upon the peripheral surface thereof to move said rope with a winding motion through said bath, a rotatively driven guide member including recess means within which said fabric rope is engaged for guiding said fabric rope through said liquid bath in a convoluted spiral path, conveyor means energizing one end of said fabric rope and operable to rotatively wind said rope end about said guide member to within said recess means and about said main roller, means for energizing and deenergizing rotation of said conveyor means, means for energizing and deenergizing rotation of said guide member, and control means sensing rotational movement of said main roller and emitting a response thereto a pair of control signals for energizing, respectively, rotation of said conveyor means and of said guide member, said control signal for energizing said conveyor means being separate and independent from said control signal for energizing said guide member, and wherein for each of said pair of control signals emitted, said guide member performs a number of revolutions in excess of the number of revolutions performed by said conveyor means.
 10. Apparatus for liquid treatment of textile fabric in rope form comprising tank means containing a liquid treatment bath, a rotatively driven main roller adopted to have said fabric rope engaged upon the peripheral surface thereof to move said rope with a winding motion through said bath, a rotatively driven guide member including recess means within which said fabric rope is engaged for guiding said fabric rope through said liquid bath in a convoluted spiral path, conveyor means engaging one end of said fabric rope and operable to rotatively wind said rope end about said guide member to within said recess means and about said main roller, means for energizing and deenergizing rotation of said conveyor means, means for energizing and deenergizing rotation of said guide member, and control means sensing rotational movement of said roller and emitting in response thereto a pair of control signals for energizing, respectively, rotation of said conveyor means and of said guide member, said control signal for energizing said conveyor means being separate and independent from said control signal for energizing said guide member, said control means comprising an electrical switch means operatively associated with said main roller for emitting discreet output signals in accordance with the number of revolutions of said main roller, first counter means responsive to said electrical switch means for emitting said pair of control signals upon receipt of a predetermined number of said output signals, electromagnetic clutch means for energizing rotation of said conveyor means in response to one control signal of said pair of control signals, and electrical drive means for energizing rotation of said guide member in response to the other control signal of said pair of control signals, and said means for deenergizing rotation of said guide member includes second counter means which can be set to permit any number of selected revolutions of said guide member subsequent to each emission by said first counter means of said pair of control signals. 